INCA TRAIL PERU
Peru’s best-known hike visited by thousands of tourists every year. This still thrilling 2-day program covers a 13-km Inca Trail, joining the classical 4-day route at the impressive archaeological site of Wiñaywayna, continuing through the famous Inti Punku or Sun Gate, and finally devoting the second day to a full day visit of the world-famous Inca citadel of Machu picchu. This program is recommended for those having less time or those looking to hike a shorter version of the Inca Trail without camping.
| Package: |
Inca Trail Tours |
| Duration: |
2 Days / 1 Night |
| Type: |
Cultural and Adventure |
| Group Size: |
Maximum 12, no minimum required |
| Difficulty degree of this hike: |
Moderate |
| Departures Day: |
- Fixed departures are available along the year. Exception: one-month closing period of all Inca Trail routes in February. Please contact us to check departures to alternatives routes.
- All private service departure dates are adapted
to your request. |
DESCRIPTION
Day 1: Cusco - Wiñay Wayna - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes
We pick you up from your hotel at 05.30am and take you to San Pedro train station to board the train that will take us to km.104 on the Cusco – Machu picchu railroad (starting point of the hike), where we arrive at around 10:00 am. We start visiting the Chachabamba archaeological complex (2150m/7052ft), located very close to the control point, to then embark upon an 8 km ascending trail, which after four hours takes us to the archaeological complex of Wiñaywayna (2650m/8692ft). This is an impressive complex made up of an agricultural center with numerous terraces, a religious sector and an urban sector. On the way up we may enjoy magnificent views of the Urubamba River valley and the Choquesuysuy archaeological complex located on the other side of the river, and also of a beautiful waterfall located just a few minutes away from Wiñaywayna. We then continue and climb to Intipunku, or The Sun Gate. This will take an hour of hiking along a trail of flat stones on the edges of cliffs in highland jungle. From this fabulous spot, we may contemplate the sacred citadel of Machu picchu. From Intipunku we descend to Machupicchu and then by bus to Aguas Calientes. We are then accommodated at the selected hotel/hostel.
Meals: L (box-lunch)
| Total distance: |
13 km (8,08 miles) |
| Estimated walking time: |
6-7 hours |
| Maximum altitude point: |
2,650 m (8,692 ft) |
| Campsite altitude: |
2,400 m (7,872 ft) |
Day 2: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
We wake up early and board a bus to Machu picchu where we begin a complete guided tour of the Inca citadel that will take approximately two hours. You will then have free time to walk around, climb up the Huaynapicchu Mountain, where one can experience spectacular views of all of Machu picchu, the valleys and mountains that surround it, or visit the Temple of the Moon or the impressive Inca Bridge. In the afternoon, we meet in the town of Aguas Calientes where, if you like, you can visit and relax in its hot springs. From here we take the train back to the city of Cusco, where we arrive after nightfall.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Pre-departure briefing
- Collection from your hotel in the morning and transfer to San Pedro train station in Cusco
- Inca Trail and Machu picchu entrance fee
- English speaking professional guide (2 guides for groups of over 8 people)
- Meals 01L (boxed-lunch). Vegetarian or special menus are available at no extra cost
- First-aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
- Bus ticket from Machu picchu ruins down to the village of Aguas Calientes – 1st day
- Round trip bus ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu – Aguas Calientes – 2nd day
- Train ticket from Cusco / Sacred Valley to Km104 and from Aguas Calientes to Cusco/Sacred Valley (Backpacker, Vistadome or Hiram Bingham service, upon request) (*)
- Transfer train station – hotel in Cusco
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR
- Accommodation in Aguas Calientes or Machu picchu
- Lunch and dinner on the last day: after the guided tour at Machu picchu, you can enjoy free time to further visit the ruins and choose to have lunch either in Machu picchu or in Aguas Calientes at your own expense.
- Drinks
- Tips
WHAT WE RECOMMENDED THAT YOU BRING
- A backpack with a change of clothes for the whole period of the trek
- Rain gear (jacket and pants if available) or rain poncho (plastic ponchos can be purchased in Cusco)
- Strong footwear, waterproof trekking boots recommended
- Sandals or jogging shoes for a higher comfort while at camp
- Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
- Camera, films and batteries (batteries consume more quickly under cold conditions)
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun, rain and cold
- Sun block
- After-sun cream or hydrating cream for face and body
- Insect repellent – minimum recommended 20% DEET – no malaria risk has been reported
- Handkerchiefs
- Toilet paper
- Snacks: biscuits, energy bars, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc. Please note that we do provide a daily morning snack and our meal service is very complete and well supplied.
- Swimsuit (if you wish to go to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
- Cash in soles and/or US$
- Original passport
- Original International Student Identity Card (in case you have applied for a student discount)
- Optional: walking sticks or poles (rubber covers required in order not to damage the Inca Trail)
|
